Why So Few People Live In The Northern Part Of Michigan

Michigan is an incredibly important state in the country due to its history with and current home of the U.S. automobile industry. But while the state today is home to about 10 million Americans, the vast majority of them live almost as close to the border of Ohio and Indianapolis as possible. Here's why so few Michiganders live in the north and why Michigan owns the Upper Peninsula in the first place.

[PugalshishOfficial]

The 'c' in Mackinac is silent [mak•kah•nah]. Also, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has so little population that it's one area code, 906, which has led to September 6th being a local holiday. Sorry for sounding nitpicky, but michigander rhymes with gander.

[johnherr]

I'm from Rhode Island, but back in May of 2007 I took a driving trip out to Michigan. I crossed Canada, and spent the first night in Frankenmuth. Next I drove north along lake Huron, which was nice, all the way up to Mackinaw City. I then spent a day out on Mackinac Island, and the late afternoon driving along Lake Michigan and the Tunnel of Trees. I thought both Mackinac Island and Tunnel were amazingly beautiful. Next day, I started driving south along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and I was just stunned at how beautiful it was. The blue water, the sand dunes and hills to get long vista's over the lake. And then Silver Lake had the clearest water I've ever seen. Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Petoskey and Traverse City were all amazing places, and around every corner on the drive was something new to see, some new wonder to be in awe of and new things to explore. Traverse City in particular was just a gem. I had no idea there such big hills in the northern part of the Southern Peninsula. I finally made it down to Saugatuck, which was a cute little town. Next day was spent in Grand Rapids, and walking along the riverwalk, then heading to Ann Arbor. Last day spent touring Ann Arbor, another great town, and then I left the State. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken and I really want to go back. I don't think most of the rest of the country ever hears how ridiculously beautiful Michigan can be.

[Dbshurblrdrdrdr]

Born and raised in Michigan, I doubt I'll ever leave. Love my mitten

[Pops]

Go to the UP during winter and you’ll know exactly why so few people live there

[ryanvandy]

Northern Michigan is absolutely beautiful. Definitely an underrated gem for campers and people that love the great outdoors. Crystal clear lakes and vast forestry.

[lucascaswell]

Mackinac is pronounced ma-kuh-naa. As a Michigander, it was like a stab to the soul when you said it.

[kathyd]

Michigan is definitely one of the best kept secrets. I moved here almost 8 years ago when I could have moved anywhere I chose Michigan. The history of the state is amazing, as is the amount of talent in every field from actors to musicians to inventions, yet the people are so down to earth. No matter where you are in the state you are within 5 miles of public access water, either a river or a lake.
In Florida I was told I live in paradise, in Michigan I know I do. I've been in many states but never knew what freedom was until I moved to Michigan.

[christopherjakel]

As someone on the north side of Michigan, we like our peace and quiet. That's why.

[captainobvi]

Born, Raised and will die in the U.P, Yoopers are a tough breed. Not just anyone can live here and we are happy to have it that way. It is truly somewhere special 💚

[ianbakaitis]

As a native Michigander, I can confirm this was a good video. Many names were mispronounced, but still good

[pamelawing]

My nephew moved to Michigan last year. He has driven around the country trying to figure out where is wanted to land and he landed in Alpena. He liked it there but finally had to go back to work. He had not worked for about four years and was using his retirement money from his job in the Bay Area. He is a painter. He had several job offers and finally accepted on from a company is Sault Ste. Marie and after commuting for a few months sold his house is Alpena and moved to Sault Ste. Marie. He came out for Christmas to spend with family and he is really happy there.

[kathygregory]

Life long Michigander. Yes, we all mostly live south but we like it that way. We go "up north" to vacation. It's beautiful.

[RedWingsninetyone]

As someone who grew up around Northern Michigan, we are quite happy with the sparse population north of GR, Lansing, Saginaw, Detroit, etc.

[olive_alves]

As someone from Michigan, I can tell you why. The area above only has 2 seasons: winter and bug season. The forests and lakes are pretty but they make everyday life miserable.

Also, it’s pronounced (Mack-ih-naw)

[xdanbo]

5:20 - to 5:32 is one of the overlooks for the Lake in the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains. Video and pictures do not do it justice. Simply one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in person.

[garyzink]

I live by Cadillac and love the lack of congestion and people. We rough camp most of the summer on the Muskegon River, only a few miles from home. Wouldn't change this for anything!

[Benfry]

Michigan is not ranked 9th in coastline length. It’s only behind Alaska.
It is considerably larger than Florida’s and California’s, the second and third runners up.
It also holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater coastline in the world.

[brucemaki]

Many people complain about winter. There's an old Finnish proverb that says "There is no bad weather, just inadequate clothing". Myself, I love cold winters with lots of snow. My Michigan motto is "Winter driving is my favorite contact sport!"

[robinlandry]

Wouldve been a great loss to the lower peninsula if we'd lost our beloved upper peninsula. The history, beauty and peace she brings to us is unbelievable
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[bwweaver]

The joke around here is, “Did you know that Ohio and Michigan once fought a war over Toledo? Ohio lost, so they had to take it.”